Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Nassau-Orange 1618

This print of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Nassau-Orange, was made by Willem Jacobsz Delff sometime around the early 17th century. Its medium – engraving – is crucial to understanding its cultural significance. Engraving is a demanding process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a metal plate. The plate is then inked, and the ink is caught in the engraved lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the image is transferred. Because it is so labor-intensive, engraving has historically been associated with luxury and high status. Prints like this one were often commissioned by the elite, like Frederik Hendrik, as a means of circulating their image and consolidating power. Notice the incredible detail – the texture of the Prince’s garments, the play of light and shadow. All of this testifies to Delff’s skill and the value placed on craftsmanship in this period. In that sense, prints such as this occupied a fascinating place between art and craft.